I have a 2018 900RS with 45,000 miles on it. Only maintenance required was tires, oil changes, chains and sprockets. Have ridden from WA State to Indiana and back on it. I also commute on the bike everyday. Ridden in snow, rain, sun, whatever. I wanted a bike that had horse power but only when I needed it. I can drive it through a subdivision and the neighbors don't hear it. To me, durability is crucial. I like the fact that I am not leaned over the bars when I go on long rides. Still have not had to adjust the valves as they are still in tolerance. So, I agree, based on my riding style this is the bike for me.
@@johnhaworth2770 😂 ok u had me worried when you left that out the “only maintenance required” glad to see your taking are of that fine machine. Kawasaki sure is putting out some really great machines all across their entire line!!
Tune ups run about $900. Compression tests still within specs too. Was told the engines made in Japan are the best. Not aware where else they are made.
@@johnhaworth2770 yep sad to say but they do just like some “American” vehicle manufacturers that have parts and are even assembled in our neighbor’s to the North and South…. Like the Lexus LS430’s were the last ones assembled in Japan…
I own this bike. It is everything I want in a street bike, except for the fact it has no cruise control. I had the ECM reflashed and removed the "Breadbox". Also The Evaporative Emission Control System has been disconnected, no more snap, crackle, and pop. Retained the stock pipe and exhaust, because it is a Quality piece and it is tuned for midrange torque. That is where I ride in the twistys, from 5,000 to 7,000 RPM. It sounds great! Take those savings and put a down payment on an Ohlins rear shock. Be careful out there boys and girls, Stupid is Everywhere.
torque is the power generated from combustion applies to the pistons multiplied by the length of the con rods and angle in relation to the center line of the crank. Sorry
I have the 2019 Z900RS and, although it's a little bit tall and heavy for me when stopped (115 lbs 5'5" lady rider), I just love the way it looks and the torque is so accessible and fun. I get tons of compliments when I ride it anywhere. One person told me that my bike is 'sex in object form', lol. He couldn't stop looking at it.
I ussd to replace exhuasts when i first got into riding but then i realised i like to ride so much tbe loud pipes get annoying. The problem is i also hate when you buy a bike and it sounds like a sewing machine and not a motorcycle. Rhe new honda rebel series just has a horrifically ugly exhuast. But those are budget bikes, its about saving money in the wallet rather than looking as good. So its nice these more expensive bikes have exhuasts that arent that bad. The w800 has a pretty sick exhuast setup and its nice if it has been tuned right to still be quiet without sounding bad.
I have the 2018 z900rs with the orange / root beer paint. My wife flew me out to Dallas Texas last August where the original owner picked me up and drove me an hour further west to his house to see and pick up the bike. It only had 411 miles on it when I drove away. I had never sat on one when I left the east coast because there were none around. When I drove away and felt the power from the start all the up through the mid band I wondered if my wife was trying to collect on my life insurance. This thing LOVES to GO! I got to enjoy this bike for a 1200 mile ride home and bond with her. I made it to Shreveport, Louisiana my first night in the rain. Checked into my hotel when a police officer walked up to me and showed me his M on his driver's license and asked if he could take it for a ride around the lot! His fellow officers stood there watching him in the rain. The next morning I left around 9:30am and made it all the way to Georgia. This bike is powerful enough for all day riding on the interstate averaging around 48mpg and has plenty of power. On an almost empty interstate a mustang gt, Mercedes and I clipped off 130 mph for about 5 miles. This bike had plenty more to give but my exit was coming so I just stayed with them. I never get tired of riding this bike. I love the stock exhaust note along with the air box growl.
While this is a more expensive bike I think it's worth it for what you get. They even put a second layer on the exhaust so it doesn't discolor from the heat!
I just think they should have cruize control on it. Rhat is an upgrade worth having on a retro if youre really taking it on trips and the 900 engine is way better design for interstates compared to thr w800 air cooled engine. Whuch probably doesnt really need a cruise control. The yamaga mt09sp has cruise control. Would be cool if kawi made even just their highest trim of the bike with a cruise control
Thank you so much for not saying this is a bike for old people! The SE version however costs more than the Kawasaki 1000SX sport touring bike! By any metric you care to use it offers more equipment & performance. Hope you review it too. FWIW the Z900RS looks like the 1974 Suzuki T 500 L especially the tank that I used to own; it was a twin. So many young people knocking this bike as being for the elderly; glad you appreciated it; it shouldn’t annoy me but it does when reviewers only rave about crotch rockets; thought those days are over. You are very even handed & honest.
I road my z900rs cafe from Washington state down to the tip of Baja and it's super comfortable for long distance, abs is super helpful too. Would absolutely do it again, even for a longer trip.
The Z900 ABS and Z900RS are two different bikes. One you sit in and control the other you sit on and control. They cater to two different riding styles. I don't see the advantage of the RS over the ABS to warrant any price premium, but that is my opinion.
Have a 2023 z900rs se yellow ball with 2 miles on it….can’t get out the roads & weather are trash. Rode the cafe version but once I seen the se in the flesh my mind was made up….stunning
Hi… Where were you able to find your bike? My local dealers don’t seem to want to find the se model and I would really like to get my hands on one. Thx
A '79 Suzuki GT750 2stroke had a radiator placement very similar to this. Was quite a rarity and was nicknamed "The water buffalo"... Good review and fantastic looking and sounding bike!
I think this is a beautifully done retro. Pays homage to its heritage (yes at this point UJM does have its fair share of history and story behind it). Sounds amazing even with stock pipe despite having Euro 5 on its back. Not too much computer intervention but enough safety net behind it. Still a relatively simple reliable dependable universal bike. The XSR900’s CP3 engine would make more sense in a sports bike, say maybe a future R9😊
I have the exact same bike and it is awesome. It certainly feels like it has more than 72 ft/lbs of torque. I am 5'8" and it does sit a little tall, but I have gotten used to it. This is the way bikes looked during my youth in the 60s and 70s, so this is as close as I can get to my motorcycle past.
Billie I am 5'8" and I cannot flat foot it. At a stop, I use my left foot flat on the ground and leave my right on the foot peg. Straight up, I am on my toes with the left and right foot.
I bought a new 1977 KZ900 back in the day and always loved the big Kawi's. They ruled the roads back then. I should have kept it. I did buy a 1988 ZX-10 Ninja new as well and I still have it. In fact, I took it our for a ride day before yesterday. That bike does put a smile on my face every time I ride it, mainly due to the 135 HP lurking under the fairing. That RS looks good on you, by the way... lol
I have both the Z and RS. Build quality on both are excellent. I don't feel it's worth $2600 more, but there are certain details on the RS that definitely cost more to produce. Both are made in Japan as indicated on both frames and VIN#'s. Just bought a '23 blue tank bronze frame SV 650 and am as excited to ride it as the others. And it as well is made in Japan. Attention to detail is as good as the Kawi's. Need some good weather cuz Idaho blows most of the time.
I have both a Z900RS and a Z900 SE. Quite a bit different to look at and to ride. Easy to carry stuff on the Z900RS, but on the Z900 SE: wear a backpack. 11k miles on my Z900RS, 200 miles on my Z900 SE, so can't compare extensively. Z900 RS sounds fantastic, better than Z900 SE. Knees are bent less on the Z900 RS. Z900 SE requires less effort to turn, and offers surprisingly good wind protection. I have made changes to my Z900 RS, and consider it my versatile and rowdy old friend. Dearly love that bike. But that Z900 SE is one sweet, smooth ride. Wow!
@@TrustyZ900 Thanks for your comment on my video. I've not uploaded for a long time and just now checked out the comments for the first time in months.
Kawasaki did a fantastic job on this bikes styling. The only gripe is the same as most Japanese roadbikes that aren't built for lap times... they're a bit heavy. If they lost 20kg's (~44lbs) it'd be just that much better.
Ditch the stock muffler and you'd lose ... probably 15 kg. The Delkevic system I just got for my old Zephyr weighs like 3.5 kg versus 21-ish kg for the stock system. Probably give me 5-7 hp, too! Can't wait to try it!
I have Z900RS 2022 and XSR 2019 I love both of them, but the XSR is just crazier and more aggressive, you get the Torque on every single gear not like the Z900RS, I feel like I only get the full power on the 6th gear. But I love the look of the Z900RS and that’s the only reason why I bought it 😅
your funny the problem is you never rode kz900 this is a chance to to feel the good old days ,different but the same . it drives thru snow wind rain will get you thru traffic so fast just blows my mind every day . why doesn't everyone have one kind of a bike.
I don’t know what model it is but I like the yellow on the tank and the gold wheels , I would buy it but they won’t give me a good trade in for my indian
The z900rs would be a better option, more power, more premiums, and if you really care or not the cb650r weighs almost as much as the z900rs with less power, so do the math if that’s something you care about. Granted, the cb650r looks gorgeous, I think you’d be happier with the z900rs.
I have a z900rs. Love this bike. I like the look of the CB650r as I considered it too, but think they are completely different experience. Z900rs in my opinion has is more premium with perfect amount of torque and good power, comfy seat. Sounds really good. Glad I choose it.
The new zed's are probably the nicest looking bikes that are currently on sale at the moment. Lots of potential to change the parts you don't particularly like,eg the number plate holder and the standard exhaust. I also love the way our American friends call it a zee instead of a zed...Lol! Good informative video tho..
I think they’d sell a lot more z900rsse if it didn’t only come in yellow. At least I should say I’m one, I’m open to different colors but it’s brutal. Literally any of the other colors will do.
2023 XSR 900 is around $13,000 after fees and taxes and has way more acceleration and torque with a quick shifter, cruise control, 6-axis IMU, just to name a few.
I have a 2018 900RS with 45,000 miles on it. Only maintenance required was tires, oil changes, chains and sprockets. Have ridden from WA State to Indiana and back on it. I also commute on the bike everyday. Ridden in snow, rain, sun, whatever. I wanted a bike that had horse power but only when I needed it. I can drive it through a subdivision and the neighbors don't hear it. To me, durability is crucial. I like the fact that I am not leaned over the bars when I go on long rides. Still have not had to adjust the valves as they are still in tolerance. So, I agree, based on my riding style this is the bike for me.
No valve clearance check?
@@thecamdenyard clearance was within spec. Had the valves checked 3 different times
@@johnhaworth2770 😂 ok u had me worried when you left that out the “only maintenance required” glad to see your taking are of that fine machine. Kawasaki sure is putting out some really great machines all across their entire line!!
Tune ups run about $900. Compression tests still within specs too. Was told the engines made in Japan are the best. Not aware where else they are made.
@@johnhaworth2770 yep sad to say but they do just like some “American” vehicle manufacturers that have parts and are even assembled in our neighbor’s to the North and South…. Like the Lexus LS430’s were the last ones assembled in Japan…
I own this bike. It is everything I want in a street bike, except for the fact it has no cruise control. I had the ECM reflashed and removed the "Breadbox". Also The Evaporative Emission Control System has been disconnected, no more snap, crackle, and pop. Retained the stock pipe and exhaust, because it is a Quality piece and it is tuned for midrange torque. That is where I ride in the twistys, from 5,000 to 7,000 RPM. It sounds great! Take those savings and put a down payment on an Ohlins rear shock. Be careful out there boys and girls, Stupid is Everywhere.
John, who did you have do your reflash? I'd like to have mine done as well!
If you find you don't have enough torque to get the bike motivated, then either go on a diet or downshift. Torque at the rear wheel is gear dependent.
torque is the power generated from combustion applies to the pistons multiplied by the length of the con rods and angle in relation to the center line of the crank. Sorry
3:19 yes, it is retro. It's not vintage. That's a difference.
I have the 2019 Z900RS and, although it's a little bit tall and heavy for me when stopped (115 lbs 5'5" lady rider), I just love the way it looks and the torque is so accessible and fun. I get tons of compliments when I ride it anywhere. One person told me that my bike is 'sex in object form', lol. He couldn't stop looking at it.
I love the stock sound, i wouldn't buy another exhaust. Great looking bike.
it makes little pops here and there telling you its ready to rumble
I ussd to replace exhuasts when i first got into riding but then i realised i like to ride so much tbe loud pipes get annoying. The problem is i also hate when you buy a bike and it sounds like a sewing machine and not a motorcycle. Rhe new honda rebel series just has a horrifically ugly exhuast. But those are budget bikes, its about saving money in the wallet rather than looking as good. So its nice these more expensive bikes have exhuasts that arent that bad. The w800 has a pretty sick exhuast setup and its nice if it has been tuned right to still be quiet without sounding bad.
In my opinion, that is the best looking bike out there. Good to know it is a decent cruiser too. Great video
It looks really good next to the w800. They did very well with styling
Thats exactly my thought. One of the most beautiful bikes ever produced. The green is to die for
I have the 2018 z900rs with the orange / root beer paint. My wife flew me out to Dallas Texas last August where the original owner picked me up and drove me an hour further west to his house to see and pick up the bike. It only had 411 miles on it when I drove away. I had never sat on one when I left the east coast because there were none around. When I drove away and felt the power from the start all the up through the mid band I wondered if my wife was trying to collect on my life insurance. This thing LOVES to GO! I got to enjoy this bike for a 1200 mile ride home and bond with her. I made it to Shreveport, Louisiana my first night in the rain. Checked into my hotel when a police officer walked up to me and showed me his M on his driver's license and asked if he could take it for a ride around the lot! His fellow officers stood there watching him in the rain. The next morning I left around 9:30am and made it all the way to Georgia. This bike is powerful enough for all day riding on the interstate averaging around 48mpg and has plenty of power. On an almost empty interstate a mustang gt, Mercedes and I clipped off 130 mph for about 5 miles. This bike had plenty more to give but my exit was coming so I just stayed with them. I never get tired of riding this bike. I love the stock exhaust note along with the air box growl.
My wife flew me? Lmao...you dont have any money?...😂
@@YourMomTastesGreat have you ever heard of a gift?
@@stormcrow1112 😂😂...stupid
While this is a more expensive bike I think it's worth it for what you get. They even put a second layer on the exhaust so it doesn't discolor from the heat!
I just think they should have cruize control on it. Rhat is an upgrade worth having on a retro if youre really taking it on trips and the 900 engine is way better design for interstates compared to thr w800 air cooled engine. Whuch probably doesnt really need a cruise control. The yamaga mt09sp has cruise control. Would be cool if kawi made even just their highest trim of the bike with a cruise control
That gold on the se is just amazing
Love that red and gold paint pattern. It's the same pattern they used for the ltd model kz's back in the day.
Sold my 2014 Mt09 for the Z900rs café version and I don’t regret my purchase
Thank you so much for not saying this is a bike for old people! The SE version however costs more than the Kawasaki 1000SX sport touring bike! By any metric you care to use it offers more equipment & performance. Hope you review it too. FWIW the Z900RS looks like the 1974 Suzuki T 500 L especially the tank that I used to own; it was a twin. So many young people knocking this bike as being for the elderly; glad you appreciated it; it shouldn’t annoy me but it does when reviewers only rave about crotch rockets; thought those days are over. You are very even handed & honest.
I road my z900rs cafe from Washington state down to the tip of Baja and it's super comfortable for long distance, abs is super helpful too. Would absolutely do it again, even for a longer trip.
*rode
The Z900 ABS and Z900RS are two different bikes. One you sit in and control the other you sit on and control. They cater to two different riding styles. I don't see the advantage of the RS over the ABS to warrant any price premium, but that is my opinion.
I like the look of the bike. My first bike was a 73 Kawasaki 900. The new bike is light. I ride a VTX1800R. It weighs over 800 Lbs.
Have a 2023 z900rs se yellow ball with 2 miles on it….can’t get out the roads & weather are trash. Rode the cafe version but once I seen the se in the flesh my mind was made up….stunning
Hi… Where were you able to find your bike? My local dealers don’t seem to want to find the se model and I would really like to get my hands on one. Thx
Fantastic bike. Nice ride review. Thanks Kase. 🏍
The look of the radiator doesn't bother me at all, in fact it is a plus to me because it is the best of both worlds and telling you so.
Great review. Good to see Valmont and the Diagonal!
I love the looks of this ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I would say it’s got to be the most retro looking of any that have come out lately.
A '79 Suzuki GT750 2stroke had a radiator placement very similar to this. Was quite a rarity and was nicknamed "The water buffalo"... Good review and fantastic looking and sounding bike!
I love this bike. Kawasaki forever! Cheers from NYC.
I think this is a beautifully done retro. Pays homage to its heritage (yes at this point UJM does have its fair share of history and story behind it). Sounds amazing even with stock pipe despite having Euro 5 on its back. Not too much computer intervention but enough safety net behind it. Still a relatively simple reliable dependable universal bike. The XSR900’s CP3 engine would make more sense in a sports bike, say maybe a future R9😊
This is what a motorcycle should look like.
I have the exact same bike and it is awesome. It certainly feels like it has more than 72 ft/lbs of torque. I am 5'8" and it does sit a little tall, but I have gotten used to it. This is the way bikes looked during my youth in the 60s and 70s, so this is as close as I can get to my motorcycle past.
Can you eleborate how tall does it sit to you ? Thank you
Billie I am 5'8" and I cannot flat foot it. At a stop, I use my left foot flat on the ground and leave my right on the foot peg. Straight up, I am on my toes with the left and right foot.
@@razorback6098 thank you 🙏
Love the McLaren at 4:14 and recognizing you were a street away here in Boulder. Great bike.
You rock Kase.
I bought a new 1977 KZ900 back in the day and always loved the big Kawi's. They ruled the roads back then. I should have kept it. I did buy a 1988 ZX-10 Ninja new as well and I still have it. In fact, I took it our for a ride day before yesterday. That bike does put a smile on my face every time I ride it, mainly due to the 135 HP lurking under the fairing. That RS looks good on you, by the way... lol
Good job Kase ... Have a beautiful day Everyone ✌️
Love that bike! Happy to own one. Nice review Kase. Can’t wait to get a better look at it.
What a good looking bike. The price increase seems to be too high though. I still want one
I have both the Z and RS. Build quality on both are excellent. I don't feel it's worth $2600 more, but there are certain details on the RS that definitely cost more to produce. Both are made in Japan as indicated on both frames and VIN#'s. Just bought a '23 blue tank bronze frame SV 650 and am as excited to ride it as the others. And it as well is made in Japan. Attention to detail is as good as the Kawi's. Need some good weather cuz Idaho blows most of the time.
I have both a Z900RS and a Z900 SE. Quite a bit different to look at and to ride. Easy to carry stuff on the Z900RS, but on the Z900 SE: wear a backpack. 11k miles on my Z900RS, 200 miles on my Z900 SE, so can't compare extensively. Z900 RS sounds fantastic, better than Z900 SE. Knees are bent less on the Z900 RS. Z900 SE requires less effort to turn, and offers surprisingly good wind protection. I have made changes to my Z900 RS, and consider it my versatile and rowdy old friend. Dearly love that bike. But that Z900 SE is one sweet, smooth ride. Wow!
@@elevationmoto6208 I notice you didn't respond when I made a comment on one of your videos, but you like to respond to me on someone elses.
@@TrustyZ900 Thanks for your comment on my video. I've not uploaded for a long time and just now checked out the comments for the first time in months.
Now. It is up to you to swap the engine and ecu between the two. Get the bike that everyone wants.
The RS looks so good.
Riding a bike I know well in an area I know well. You've got great taste.
Fun fun fun bike! I want that nice soft Kawi saddle on my ‘22 XSR 900! Great review my dude.
LOVE IT! My next bike!
I have the z900rs se. The ohlin shocks and brembo brakes are an absolute must for me.
lol
As much for the hi-vis paintscheme as for anything else, yellowball is the only way!
How’s the bike after a year?
Great job Kase, love those Kawi inline fours!
Kawasaki did a fantastic job on this bikes styling. The only gripe is the same as most Japanese roadbikes that aren't built for lap times... they're a bit heavy. If they lost 20kg's (~44lbs) it'd be just that much better.
Ditch the stock muffler and you'd lose ... probably 15 kg. The Delkevic system I just got for my old Zephyr weighs like 3.5 kg versus 21-ish kg for the stock system. Probably give me 5-7 hp, too! Can't wait to try it!
Great review! Thanks.
I have Z900RS 2022 and XSR 2019
I love both of them, but the XSR is just crazier and more aggressive, you get the Torque on every single gear not like the Z900RS, I feel like I only get the full power on the 6th gear.
But I love the look of the Z900RS and that’s the only reason why I bought it 😅
How do you feel after all this time?
@@SWTVENOM same what I shared lol
I like the yellow one with the upgraded suspension and brakes
But I don't like price £13000
I have the RS Café with full akrapovic exhaust, it sounds incredible
your funny the problem is you never rode kz900 this is a chance to to feel the good old days ,different but the same . it drives thru snow wind rain will get you thru traffic so fast just blows my mind every day . why doesn't everyone have one kind of a bike.
I have the anniversary edition great motorcycle
Sat on a 900RS, seating position initially felt way too high. Like I was riding a horse.
As soon as Kawasaki ADDS Electronic Cruise Control & Cell Phone charger I’M IN!!!!!!
Great video. How tall are you please? How is the seat to peg measurement? I am 6ft tall and want to use it for longer runs. Cheers.
I don’t know what model it is but I like the yellow on the tank and the gold wheels , I would buy it but they won’t give me a good trade in for my indian
Maybe I overheard it, but do you prefer the Z900 or the Z900rs?
Sharp looking bike.
what is that res light on top of the driver info screen?
I had a 2018 Z900 RS and the throttle was so snatchy it was almost unrideable. I owned another Kawasaki that did not have that issue.
Would look better with a chrome exhaust pipe on each side!
delkevic makes a 4 into 4 exhaust for this bike
Its all about torque, top end speed is fairly irrelevant on today's roads were can you do over 100mph today.
No just upgraded the ecu yamie noob has a vid on it
I have been looking at this Kawaski Z900RS for a couple of years now and cannot decide between this and the Honda CB650R Neo Cafe Racer.
The z900rs would be a better option, more power, more premiums, and if you really care or not the cb650r weighs almost as much as the z900rs with less power, so do the math if that’s something you care about. Granted, the cb650r looks gorgeous, I think you’d be happier with the z900rs.
I have a z900rs. Love this bike. I like the look of the CB650r as I considered it too, but think they are completely different experience. Z900rs in my opinion has is more premium with perfect amount of torque and good power, comfy seat. Sounds really good. Glad I choose it.
Well, one thing to note, I’ve seen a TON of cb650 s on the used market , online as well, I rarely see a used z900rs for sale. Take that as you will
I can't decide between a Toyota Camry and a Supra either. I mean they've practically the same appeal.
@@exothermal.sprocket 😂
Not to mention you’ll save a ton on insurance
Has anyone swapped cams and ecu settings from the z900 to the 900 rs?
How informative is the display?
The seat is not that comfortable after you ride the bike for a while I trip mine all out and it would be the stock one by 4:00
The new zed's are probably the nicest looking bikes that are currently on sale at the moment. Lots of potential to change the parts you don't particularly like,eg the number plate holder and the standard exhaust. I also love the way our American friends call it a zee instead of a zed...Lol! Good informative video tho..
Nice bike for sure. I guess 10,000 is not bad? I can not believe I am saying that. Wow!! 10 grand!!
Yes.
I think they’d sell a lot more z900rsse if it didn’t only come in yellow. At least I should say I’m one, I’m open to different colors but it’s brutal. Literally any of the other colors will do.
Thanks
A Zee 900, no no no doesn’t sound right !
1973 z900 is got 82 horsepower factory the new 900 as112 horsepower
This or speed twin 1200
Speed twin just because I like twins better. More character and visceral.
That's a very nice bike but you can almost buy the Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx for that kind of money
It's a Zed900 😊
2023 XSR 900 is around $13,000 after fees and taxes and has way more acceleration and torque with a quick shifter, cruise control, 6-axis IMU, just to name a few.
Cruise control?
The regular z900 is fugly.😅
Not mine, but a RE Himalayan is.
Snatch throttle, no cruise control, no electronic ignition. mmmmmmmmm
What do you mean no electronic ignition?
Just get a Bandit 1200 and save 8,000 dollars!!!
Master cylinder is fugly!! When did they start making in your face master cylinders like this?
@@kimw200blaze4 Its cheap plastic and is fugly on this bike. It just looks stupid on this bike.
@@kimw200blaze4 Well.. Then you better go get a Camry. You have no idea what you are talking about.
Todays version of the “CHiP’s” motorcycle
Is he related to Tom Cruise ? I like the other one .
rim nice
🤗🤗🤗
👍🤪🇨🇦
rads are retro...the suzuki GTs of the 70s??
You guys don’t need to get the RS until you learn how to ride a bike without dumping it.